Bufflehead

/ˈbʌfəlˌhɛd/ noun

Definition

A small North American duck with a large, puffy head that the male has white and black coloring on.

Etymology

From 'buffalo' (from French buffle, from Italian bufalo) combined with 'head,' referring to the bird's large, rounded head shape that resembles a buffalo's head in profile.

Kelly Says

This duck's scientific name is Bucephala albeola—'albeola' means 'whitish,' and these birds are surprisingly skilled divers that can stay underwater hunting for food, making them one of nature's cute but competent hunters.

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